Where to Find Lake Superior Agates

The Lake Superior Agate is Minnesota’s state gemstone, and for good reason. These banded stones are gorgeous when polished, made into jewelry, or even straight from the beach. With constant waves on Lake Superior, there is never a shortage of new rocks to search through. 

Lake Superior Agates are thought to have begun forming around 1.1 billion years ago by sulfur and carbon dioxide bubbles that formed in lava. Over time the hollow cavities filled with water and minerals evaporated and settled into the layers of agate seen today. Most Lake Superior agates are composed of primarily microcrystalline quartz and different minerals, with the bright red-orange, rusty, brick-red colors coming from iron. 

The north shore of Lake Superior is the best place to look for Lake Superior Agates. You can search for and find agates at a number of different beaches. The best time to look for agates is after a storm or an exceptionally windy and wavy day on the lake. The waves will push new rocks from the lake up onto the beach. If you really want to get into the agate hunt, bring some tools: a hand rake, mining pan or collander, and a magnifying glass will make searching and identifying the agates easier. 

Important Note: While out rock hunting please keep in mind that it is illegal to remove stones from a national shoreline, and that there are limits to the amount you can collect from state parks. Make sure to check with the local DNR for exact rules and regulations.

Popular beaches on the North Shore to visit:

• Cobblestone Beach
• Stoney Point Scenic Drive
• Flood Bay State Wayside
• Iona's Beach Scientific & Natural Area
• Bever Falls & Beaver River
• Temperance River State Park
• Thomsonite Beach
• Artist's Point
• Kadunce River
• Paradise Beach
• Horseshoe Bay
• Moose Lake

*Fun Fact: The largest Lake Superior agate weighed over 110 pounds.

Lake Superior Agate Resources:

• Lake Superior North Shore Map
• Finding Lake Superior Agates - AgateDad
• How To Start Agate Hunting - Minnesota Monthly
• Lake Superior Agate - Minnesota DNR
• Agates of Lake Superior Book
• Agate Days - Moose Lake

 

Lake Superior Agate Gallery

  

Collecting on TGS Claims

 Collecting on Mineral Claims Owned by The Gem Shop, Inc., Eugene Mueller & Veronica Woods

In order to promote the collecting aspect of the Lapidary hobby, The Gem Shop, Inc. has adopted a policy, which allows individuals to collect their own rock on its mineral claims. If you would like to visit these mining claims, please click the link at the bottom of the page to download the collecting packet. 

The Gem Shop, Inc. has two active claims - the Blue Mustang and the TGS Beverly Marie. Both of these claims are located in Oregon. 

 

BLUE MUSTANG OREGON

This claim is located in T24S, R45E, Sec. 33 in the Southeast Oregon, about three miles west of Three Fingers Butte. The claim can be approached from Homedale, ID on Route 19 to Succor Creek Road. 

The Jasper on this Claim is primarily a brown, orange, and blue picture Jasper. It occurs in veins from 6 inches to 3 feet thick, several of which are exposed. The claim has been mined with equipment, and jasper may also be collected on the dump piles.

WARNING: This claim joins Rocky Butte Claim on the south. DO NOT collect on the Rocky Butte Claim without that mine owner’s permission.

 

TGS BEVERLY MARIE CLAIM

This Claim is located in T23S R46E Sec. 25 on the eastern edge of Oregon about 7 miles from Homedale, Idaho. This area is a well-known collection area called Graveyard Point. There are several Claims in the area and extensive agate veins brecciate the basalt for several miles. Directions to the claim can be found in the Collection Packet. If you would like to collect on the claim, please fill out the request form included in that packet, and send to The Gem Shop before visiting. If you wish to visit and only observe, you only need to fill out a liability waiver upon arrival. 

 

Download the The Gem Shop's collection packet

 

Packet includes:
-Claim Collecting Terms & Conditions
-Permission Request form - This must be filled out & sent in to   The Gem Shop before visiting the claim
-2 maps to the claims